Ben Sulayem steps back: This is what went wrong in F1

Main issue with report on Abu Dhabi

The president came in at a difficult time. At the end of 2021, Formula 1 ended a remarkable season. After all, Max Verstappen took his first world title in Abu Dhabi, but in the process, the race management did not make a solid impression. Partly because of the complaints from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the FIA decided to launch an extensive investigation.

Three months later, the extensive report was on the table, but in it, the organisation proved unable to fully take a critical look at itself. The FIA claimed that it had indeed committed a number of mistakes, only that they were "human errors". It earned Ben Sulayem much criticism for the first time since his start as FIA boss, leaving him with his first problem.

Hamilton and FIA face off in 'jewellery row'

Hamilton in particular, who missed out on his eighth world title in Abu Dhabi, was bitter about the outcome of the investigation. However, there was more that worried the Brit. For instance, the FIA decided to be stricter on wearing jewellery and piercings while driving in the future. It affected Hamilton, among others, who refused to abide by these rules.

Ben Sulayem then decided to make a clear statement in the media by announcing heavy penalties if a driver did not follow the rules. Although the FIA thus seemed to be attempting to provide calm, the organisation instead found itself diametrically opposed to Hamilton. Once again, Ben Sulayem found himself in the news negatively as a result.

Horner and Ben Sulayem lash out at each other

For the remainder of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Ben Sulayem did not come out strong either. Several team bosses could no longer hold back, which caused an embarrassing moment during the year-end awards ceremony. Indeed, Christian Horner openly revealed in the process that he was not enamoured with how things were arranged at the FIA.

The Red Bull Racing team boss pointed to the Japan Grand Prix. After the shortened rain race, it was unclear for a period whether Verstappen was world champion because the FIA did not clearly communicate whether whole or half points would be handed out. Ben Sulayem fiercely retorted by pointing out that the teams jointly decided the rules. Whoever was right: it was by no means a good turn.

Errors of judgment with rules on political statements

A short time later, the FIA made a major error of judgement by creating a new rule requiring teams and drivers to seek written permission to make a political statement from now on. It caused much criticism within Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel and once again Hamilton against the decision.

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali defended the FIA just this week, stating that the motorsport class will never silence drivers to express their opinions, but that the FIA has to take other aspects into account. However, it is notable that Ben Sulayem's predecessors were able to give drivers communicative freedom. Once again, he, therefore, received a minus after his name.

Sexist remarks by Ben Sulayem

Coincidence or not, but Ben Sulayem almost received the final blow in late January when previous statements by him came out. In these, he stated, among other things, that he does not like women who think they are smarter than men, because in reality, this would not be the case. Although the statements were from over 20 years ago, they did provide him with trouble.

It was not the only news that came up during Formula 1's winter break. For instance, Formula 1 and Liberty Media got into action when Ben Sulayem seemed to suggest that the motorsport class was up for sale. In addition, he revealed himself as a strong supporter of allowing more teams into Formula 1, which almost all formations were not happy with.

Farewell to FIA president in Formula 1

It, therefore, came as no surprise when the FIA announced that Ben Sulayem will step down and that Greek Nikolas Tombazis will do the honours from now on. In doing so, it will try to get the organisation back in the news in a more positive light in the coming months and return the focus to Formula 1, while Ben Sulayem will focus more on strategic elements.

In motorsport's past, there will rarely have been an FIA president who has already made himself impossible in such a short time. Ben Sulayem must therefore fear that it will be his first and only term. Jean Todt's replacement will have to pull out all the stops in the coming period to get internal people behind him again: a task that will be leaden for him.